MnDOT figures show spike in 2013 motorcycle deaths

Already this month, there have been five motocycle fatalities on Minnesota roads, and the numbers for 2013 show an increase over last year.

In the wake of three deaths over the July 4 holiday, KAAL-TV reports there have been 26 fatalities this year, compared to 18 at this time in 2012, according to MnDOT statistics.

Northland News Center says in June 10 riders were killed, making it the deadliest month for riders in 2013. So far this year, there have been 162 traffic fatalities in Minnesota, 16 percent of which are riders. There were 55 motorcyclist deaths in 2012, reports NNC.

And WCCO-TV reports that for the second time in less than a week, a husband and wife have been killed in a motorcycle accident in Minnesota. A 52-year-old Coon Rapids man and his 53-year-old wife were on a motorcycle that crossed the center line and struck a pickup truck, the station reports.